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Primary Documents - Manifesto of Russian Council of Workmen and Soldiers, 25 July 1917

Reproduced below is the
text of a manifesto issued by the influential Russian Council of Workmen and
Soldiers dated 25 July 1917.

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Following two earlier
manifestos dated
15 May and
23 July - each appealing for civil and military support for the
Provisional Government established in the wake of
Tsar Nicholas II's abdication,
this third manifesto struck a desperate note.

It warned of a fresh German
attack overseen by German Chief of Staff
Paul von Hindenburg; it
threatened the Provisional Government's very existence. The manifesto
concluded by stating that "the greatest revolution in the world can not and
shall not perish".

Manifesto of 25 July 1917 by
Council of Workmen and Soldiers

Lack of discipline and open
treachery at the front are facilitating Field-Marshal von Hindenburg's new
offensive.

The serious defeats
inflicted on our army are opening the way to the enemy for increasing the
general panic and preparing the soil in which the poisonous seeds of
counter-revolution may come into full bloom. Already an attack is
being organized by the strong bourgeoisie; already the jackals and hyenas of
the old regime are howling.

We turn to you, our
representatives, with a passionate appeal for aid. Support the
revolutionary authority; try to secure the full submission of workingmen,
soldiers, and peasants to all the decisions of democracy's majority.

Inspire them; awaken
enthusiasm in them. Exert your entire will, your entire energy.
Rally round our All-Russian centres and we will show the country and the
world that the nation which created the greatest revolution in the world can
not and shall not perish.